Many of you are already familiar with Roland. Roland Schneller, our Managing Director and COO, was interviewed for our Cannabis Briefing almost two years ago when he served as COO and Prokurist, focusing on logistics. Since then, much has changed —not only for you in your role at Cansativa (congrats!) but also in terms of regulations, societal perceptions, medical advancements, and, of course, within the industry. Cansativa Group has been operating for 7 years now, since 2017, when the path for medical cannabis in Germany was first paved.
Roland, you’ve been with us for five years. Could you reflect on your time at Cansativa? Which strategies proved successful, and which perhaps not? And could you share a learning experience from significant setbacks?
One of the key factors for our success is certainly the ability to react flexibly to changes in a highly dynamic market environment. Another crucial step was the early introduction of a modern ERP system. This technological foundation allows us to track and trace every product that passes through our facilities seamlessly. Through careful documentation of all product movements, we have achieved a high level of transparency and efficiency.
Furthermore, our customer-centric approach has proven successful and has led to long-term, trusting relationships. Understanding the needs of pharmacies and anticipating them in our offerings has significantly contributed to an optimized service portfolio.
Challenges, of course, arose. Initially, we grappled with supply chain fluctuations. From this, we learned to develop more robust risk mitigation strategies, like utilizing multiple sources of supply. This diversification not only stabilized our supply chain but also reinforced our reputation as a reliable partner.
What does it take to pioneer new business models in the medical cannabis market?
There are several factors that I believe are crucial to our ongoing success. Firstly, we have the courage and ability to develop business models from scratch and shape new markets. This pioneering spirit positions us at the forefront of industry development and enables us not only to participate in new developments but also to actively drive them forward.
Secondly, despite our size, we remain highly adaptable and can quickly respond to changing requirements. This agility is crucial in such a dynamic industry as ours. It allows us to seize opportunities and overcome challenges as they arise.
Another key factor is the comprehensive industry knowledge of our team. Many of our employees have been with Cansativa since its inception and possess a wealth of experience and deep insights into our operations. This collective knowledge is invaluable and underpins our strategic decisions and innovations.
Finally, we have a very lean and cost-effective structure that enables us to operate profitably. This financial stability gives us the freedom to invest in growth and improvement while remaining resilient to market fluctuations.
What’s necessary for medical cannabis to gain more attention as an industry and therapy?
First and foremost, understandable and clearly formulated regulatory processes are crucial to enable faster product approval and market entry. Lengthy and complex regulatory procedures can currently hinder innovation and delay access to therapies.
Another important aspect is the introduction of uniform regulation for the handling of medical cannabis in all federal states. Possible discrepancies in regional regulations lead to operational challenges and discrepancies in patient access. Harmonizing regulations would streamline operations and ensure a more consistent supply.
Furthermore, enhanced collaboration between government agencies and private companies in the cannabis industry is essential. Such partnerships could facilitate the development of innovative solutions that streamline processes, improve product quality, and enhance patient care. They would also contribute to more informed regulatory decisions and ensure that the industry’s growth is sustainable and responsible, in line with public health goals.
By addressing these key factors, we can create an environment that not only promotes the growth of the entire industry but also establishes medical cannabis therapies as recognized and effective treatment options that garner attention and acceptance in society and among medical professionals. This is an exciting time for the industry, and much is at stake to shape the future of medical cannabis in Germany positively.
Anything else?
Do you have specific questions or suggestions for the Cannabis Briefing? Then send us an email to briefing@cansativa.de. If you are interested in revolutionising the cannabis industry with us, then stay tuned and follow our briefings!
We wish you a good read!
With legalising greetings,

Jakob Sons
Founder & Managing Director Cansativa

Benedikt Sons
Founder & Managing Director Cansativa


Jakob Sons
Founder & Managing Director Cansativa


Benedikt Sons
Founder & Managing Director Cansativa